The Loss of Economic Freedom in Maine, in the US

Economic Freedom – what is it based on? What are the indicators? The monthly meeting of the Knox County Republican Party discussed what economic freedom meant. Carol Weston was the speaker and representative from Americans For Prosperity (AFP). During this discussion Carol pointed out that economic freedom is measure by the following:

1. The size of the government – policies that grow our government take away our freedom away. The more money goes to fund the Federal and state governments mean that there is less for our families.
2. Regulation that comes about with the increased size of government – as our Federal and State governments grow more regulation is created to justify the increased size and cost. This leaves less for our families to survive on.
3. Having a Sound Currency (Sound Money) – when our government is printing money at the rate it has been our currency becomes devalued. It becomes less sound.
4. Being able to trade with whomever brings about benefits for our national and local economies. Regulation will restrict what we can trade and limit opportunities and job growth.
5. Then there is the rule of law. Without a sound Judicial and court system. Without a process of a fair trail (for instance) there is a lack of a rule of law that diminishes the economic freedom we supposedly enjoy.

In 1999 the United States ranked number 5 in economic freedom. In 2012 the United States had fallen to 18 – behind such countries as Singapore, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, Qatar and the United Kingdom. The ability of our families to do better is being crippled by the bureaucracy surrounding us. There is less that we are able to do. Yet we are being asked to do more. We are told that the rich should be taxed more and that tax breaks should be taken away from them. Yet taxing those that make more than $1 million a year at a rate of 129% still would not close the gap and would only manage to run the government for a couple of weeks. No one wants the poor or down trodden to suffer. No one – not Republicans not Democrats. Neither do we want to lose the freedom we have – to make our own choices and not have others make them for us. Yet our economic freedom is quickly eroding away.

Carol Weston was engaging and mesmerizing in the message she delivered. Yet that same message was one of concern. Concern with the policies that our various levels of government are enacting are hurting the people. This hurt is at every level – rich, poor, families and single people. The economic freedom that is being stripped away hurts everyone and no one gains from the experience. To the audience Carol Weston invited anyone with questions to contact her. For up to date happenings in the RepubliCAN party please like us on Facebook. Or contact us at RepubliCANof ME@gmail.com.

The White is Playing with Childhood Memories

The White House took a $1 million dollar hit because of budget cuts. $1 million dollars is all that is standing between the citizens of this country and being able to visit the White House.

Currently the White House spends the following on 'essentials'

1. $100,000 for a dog trainer
2. $300,000 for three calligraphers

The White House budget amounts to $500 million a year. Of this the tours is budgeted at $4.3 million. The cuts as a result of the sequester amount to $350,000 - $50,00 less than the cost of the dog trainer and three calligraphers.

To put it into perspective. The Capitol Visitors Center is taking a $2 million dollar hit. The Capitol though continues to offer visits despite these cuts. Are these cuts really a result of the sequester or are they a way for the White House to politicize the cuts resulting from the sequester? Think of it this way. What will impact the American public react to more? Cuts on aid to such countries like Egypt, Pakistan or the Sudan? Or stopping visits to the White House?

Cuts to countries will have little or no media impact on the public. Not very dramatic. Yet on the other hand – limiting or eliminating visits to the White House will. That has media impact. I remember going as a kid to visit the White House - it has a lasting impression. President Obama has decided to deprive the children of this nation of a potentially life long memory – because of the sequester. President Obama will tell us that closure of the White House is a result of the Republicans.

Let the President know that you are upset by the fact that visits to the White House are being eliminated. Is it more important for the President to continue his Golf outings then for our children to be able to visit the White House - let us remember that the White House is our house. It is self serving of the President to cancel visits to the White House. It is also the President playing politics and trying to force his oppositions hand. Let him know you are not happy.

The President can be emailed here.